A PLAYGROUP in Charlgrove closed its doors on Friday after 31 years of caring for local children.

The Pavilion Pre-school Playgroup, in Baronshurst Drive, was visited by past and present employees, parents and children on Wednesday in order to celebrate three decades of success.

Hannah Hornsby, chairwoman of the playgroup, said: “It was a bittersweet event because while it’s incredibly sad that we’re closing after such a long time, we really wanted to celebrate all the great work we’ve done as a playgroup.

“Unfortunately there just aren’t enough volunteers to keep us going and this has had a knock-on effect on our finances, but we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered for us over the past 31 years.”

Pam Jefferies, who worked as a supervisor at the playgroup for 28 years, said: “I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of children flourish in this place and it’s very sad that it’s all coming to an end.

“It’s been really amazing to teach generations of children and it was a pleasure to receive a certificate of long service from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire.”